WPL: Shafali Verma Discusses Her Match-Winning Performance Against RCB
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Synopsis
Shafali Verma's stellar performance of 80 not out helped Delhi Capitals secure a playoff spot in WPL 2025 after a dominant win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru. She emphasized the importance of starting from zero as a batter, regardless of prior performances, and praised her team's execution of their game plan.
Key Takeaways
- Shafali Verma scored 80 not out in a crucial match.
- Delhi Capitals secured a playoff berth with a 9-wicket victory.
- Strong bowling performance limited RCB to 147/5.
- Shafali highlighted the need for batters to start from zero.
- Effective communication was key in their successful partnership.
Bengaluru, March 2 (NationPress) Following a commanding victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the Delhi Capitals secured their place in the playoffs of WPL 2025. Shafali Verma, who scored an impressive 80 not out off 43 balls, reflected on her performance and emphasized that a batter must start from zero every time, regardless of playing on consecutive days.
Meg Lanning’s DC became the first team to achieve a playoff spot in WPL 2025, dominating with a 9-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Match 14. This win further strengthened their position at the top of the standings, accumulating 10 points from 7 matches and securing five convincing wins.
Debutant N. Charani and Shikha Pandey each took two wickets, limiting the home team to a total of 147/5 in 20 overs. The Delhi Capitals successfully chased the target in just 15.3 overs, with Shafali Verma (80 not out) and Jess Jonassen (61 not out off 38) forming a remarkable 146-run partnership that led to their victory.
Shafali stated, "As a batter, you have to start from zero every time, even if you're playing on consecutive days. Our bowlers performed excellently in the first innings, and our planning has been effective. We've executed our strategies flawlessly."
She added, "In the early stages of the chase, there was considerable assistance for the bowlers, but once we got comfortable, we played our shots with confidence. I trusted myself to stay at the crease. I knew that spending time in the middle would help adjust my eyesight, making things easier. Once Jess and I found our rhythm, the runs began to flow.”
Reflecting on her partnership with Aussie all-rounder Jonassen, who scored an unbeaten 61 off 38 balls, Shafali remarked, "Playing with JJ is always enjoyable. Her Australian background and great mindset enhance the experience. The left-right combination can pose challenges for the opposition."
“The crucial aspect was our communication, consistently encouraging one another to stay until the end. This mutual understanding was key in forming a strong partnership. The best part was our ability to listen to and trust each other, which significantly contributed to our successful innings,” she concluded.
Delhi Capitals will face Gujarat Giants in their final league match on March 7 at Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
